Parenting
I am a mother. I am “Mom.” I am “Mummy.” I am “Mama.” I am “MOMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEE!!!”
My typical attire includes yoga pants that I wear daily—though I rarely practice yoga. I pair these with running shoes, yet running is not part of my routine either. My hair is often hidden beneath a baseball cap, either due to my inability to address my gray roots or simply because I haven’t had the chance to wash it recently.
My nails are chipped, my undergarments don’t match, and I might even be wearing socks adorned with unicorns—courtesy of my daughter. That’s just how I navigate life.
On other days, I might throw on jeans, but not the stereotypical “mom jeans,” as I strive to avoid that fashion faux pas. Date nights with my husband do prompt me to dress up, yet I often prefer lounging in my favorite sweats on our not-so-cozy couch while I indulge in reruns of shows like Friends and Seinfeld, all while knowing my children are peacefully asleep nearby.
I find myself in the middle of my life—neither overly affluent nor struggling. My housekeeping skills may leave something to be desired, yet my home is brimming with love and laughter. Cooking? Not my forte. My freezer is stocked with frozen waffles, and I keep white bread in the cupboard. Please, no judgment.
Right now, I have six loads of laundry awaiting attention, five loads to fold, and four still to be put away. My family’s minivan, affectionately dubbed The Golden Bus, carries the weight of seven stick figure decals on the back window (eight if you include our dog), a “my kid plays sports” magnet, and a floor cluttered with Goldfish crumbs and empty water bottles—plus a mileage of 104K. It’s a charming ride, provided you can overlook the odor and chaos inside.
I embrace my imperfections. I sometimes let inappropriate words slip, lose my composure, and occasionally require a time-out myself. I enjoy pinning creative ideas on Pinterest, yet the reality is that I seldom turn those pins into projects.
I have binge-watched entire seasons of Gossip Girl, Breaking Bad, and Sons of Anarchy on Netflix, all while neglecting my parental duties. Perhaps I should consider getting my kids a puppy each as compensation.
My children’s kindness fills me with pride, and my husband and I strive to set a positive example for them. I often find humor in situations that may not be appropriate, and I admit that I don’t keep up with current events as much as I should. Yet, I am fully engaged in my children’s lives, as they are my primary focus.
I grapple with feelings of guilt for not spending enough time with my kids, but there are moments when I long for a break from them, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Some days are challenging, but love for them is unwavering every single moment.
I cherish the friendship I share with my children, and I hope that bond remains strong. While I don’t demand perfection in their grades, I do encourage them to put forth their best effort. If they fail despite trying, they receive support rather than punishment. I believe that consequences should be proportional to the action—no tears over spilled milk, but be ready for repercussions if someone’s feelings are intentionally hurt. (And yes, clean up the milk yourself; I’m your mother, not your maid.)
As a referee in daily disputes, I will admit to sometimes favoring one child over the other in my mind. Mutual respect is a cornerstone of our relationship.
In my mid-thirties, I considered returning to school to pursue nursing, but life had different plans for me. Nevertheless, my “magic kisses” and character-themed Band-Aids work wonders on my kids’ little scrapes. While I could never be a teacher, I have immense respect for those who dedicate their lives to educating our children.
Though my busy schedule prevents me from coaching sports, I am their loudest cheerleader—supporting not only my kids but others as well. It pains me to not be a stay-at-home mom, but my daily office routine provides me with a semblance of sanity.
I am a storyteller, a booger-wiper, a spider-exterminator, a toy-finder, a party planner, a peacemaker, a dream interpreter, a homework helper, and a psychologist. My compensation comes in the form of kisses, which is absolutely worth it!
Yes, my kids spend too much time on their devices, and I’m guilty of being overly attached to my phone as well. We all need to improve in that area.
Sometimes, I am THAT mom. But that’s perfectly fine, as we all embody that role at different times, even if we don’t realize it.
I am grateful. I am blessed. I am a mother.
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Summary
In this heartfelt reflection on motherhood, the author shares her candid experiences and the reality of being a mom. From the casual attire and messy homes to the unconditional love for her children, she portrays the ups and downs of parenting. The narrative emphasizes the importance of kindness, respect, and maintaining a balance between personal time and family life. Ultimately, the author embraces her role as a mother, acknowledging both the challenges and the rewards that come with it.